Nico Paz tells Real Madrid he wants to stay at Como

Real Madrid’s plans for Nico Paz have taken an unexpected turn.

After months of speculation that the Argentina international would return to the Santiago Bernabéu, Paz has decided to spend another season at Como, handing Cesc Fàbregas a major boost ahead of the club’s return to the UEFA Champions League.

The midfielder has already informed Real Madrid executives that he intends to reverse his earlier decision to come back to Spain. Instead, he has asked to remain in Italy for another year.

Why Nico Paz has chosen Como over Real Madrid

Paz’s priority has always been clear: play regularly.

The 2026 World Cup participant believes consistent minutes are essential to his development, especially with Como preparing for Champions League soccer. Recent changes at Real Madrid have made that objective increasingly difficult.

The player and club officials discussed a potential return several weeks ago, before the dramatic events that led to a presidential election and the arrival of José Mourinho as head coach. Since then, the situation has changed significantly.

Both sides now agree that postponing his return is the best solution. Mourinho was unable to guarantee the playing time Paz is looking for, making the decision straightforward.

Real Madrid still controls Paz’s future

Real Madrid’s buyback option expires on June 30, but the club has already decided not to activate it this summer.

However, Los Blancos still retain one final opportunity to bring Paz back before June 30, 2027, by paying €10 million (about $11.6 million at current exchange rates).

The club’s confidence in the Argentine remains unchanged. Even so, Real Madrid’s immediate need to compete for major trophies has pushed the organization toward more experienced players, in line with Mourinho’s recommendations.

Paz’s decision to stay at Como does not alter his long-term contractual situation.

His future remains tied to Real Madrid through June 2027. Any club interested in signing him permanently would still need Real Madrid’s approval. Under the terms of the agreement, Madrid would also be entitled to 50% of any future transfer fee, an option club officials are not currently considering.

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